Even with temperatures becoming more seasonal, the lack of precipitation continues to plague much of the High Plains Region. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, there was a slight increase in moderate drought (D1) or worse conditions in the Region. The area of D1 or worse now totals 97.23% of the Region. In South Dakota, there was a slight expansion of D1 area in the northeastern portion of the state. Area of D1 also expanded in south central portion of North Dakota. The wide spread exceptional drought (D4) that has swept across the southern states continues to maintain an area of about 25% of the Region. The area of D4 in Nebraska still totals a little over 70%. To learn more about the U.S. Drought Monitor, please see: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu

The southeastern portion of Kansas saw some relief with recent precipitation this past week. The total area of D4 has reduced a little of 9%, to now total 51.04% of the state. The drought conditions in the western portions of Kansas continue to be the same as last week.